Reflective Synopsis

Introduction
Throughout the process of studying Managing E-learning, a range of digital tools and methodologies have been discovered and used to show us ways in which we can enhance student’s learning through the use of Information Communication Technologies, also commonly referred to as ICTs. This reflective synopsis will discuss the technologies, tools and methodologies that have been investigated through this course. It will explain how they can be used within a classroom environment to assist, support and enhance student learning.

How E-Learning Supports Student Learning
According to Waterhouse (2003), e-learning involves improving teaching and learning using instructional strategies enhanced by technology, especially computer technology (p. 3). E-Learning is an integral tool to be utilized in teaching as current and future learners are known as digital natives. They have been born into and raised in a digital technology based environment. They have had constant exposure to digital tools and understand and can fluently speak the language of computers (Prenksy 2001). As the learners are so interested and invested in technology, the use of ICT in the classroom will help retain the learner’s interest and in turn, enhance their learning experience.
The use of digital tools within the classroom enables students to use analysis, collaboration, develop understanding and evaluate information. By using ICT within the classroom, the students are provided with a much larger range of research resources, materials for assessment and the internet provides a much larger search basis for information. The integration of technology into a students learning environment may also encourage them to also utilize technology outside of the classroom to research and complete assessment. It also allows for collaboration between students and the tools which enable this collaboration will be more specifically discussed through this synopsis. What ICT means for a students learning is that learning is enhanced as they can learn in a much wider range of ways on just about any topic, and this learning can take place when and where they want it to as technology is everywhere.

Digital Tools and Methodologies
A range of digital tools and methodologies were investigated and experimented with to see which ones could be integrated into a teaching environment. For these tools to be effective they need to enhance student learning, meet individual learning needs and must assist in developing higher order thinking skills and student creativity. The tools that were investigated and experimented with over this course were blogs, concept maps, wikis, websites, PowerPoint and Prezi presentations, learning management systems, images, podcasts/Vodcasts and digital videos. All of these tools can be embedded into a student’s learning which will therefore enhance their learning experiences.

Blogs
I personally find one of the most effective e-learning tools is the use of blogs for educational purposes. A blog (or web log) is a public web site where users can post informal journals of their thoughts, comments, and philosophies. They are generally updated frequently and normally reflect the views of the blog's creator. A blog allows anyone to share their views on particular topics, and it allows for others to comment their opinions on the topic. Blogging can be used directly with education and teaching as it allows for interaction beyond just students and teachers. Parents and other educational stakeholders can view these blogs and offer constructive criticism. It also allows students to share ideas with each other and assists in practising their writing skills. Blogs could be used in many different educational contexts, as a blog can be used to discuss literally any topic or content.

Wikis
Another very useful tool to be used to enhance student learning is a wiki. A wiki is particularly supportive of collaborative learning amongst students. A wiki is an online space where users and guests can edit, modify, add, and remove information. Wikis are different from blogs because of a number of features. Wikis are open, meaning any reader can edit information if it seems to be incomplete or poorly organised; whereas in blogs, readers can only add comments or suggestions to the end of content. Wikis also allow for sharing of ideas. Many users can use the same wiki to openly discuss concepts and ideas, while blogs are mainly based around an individual’s concept or idea. Wikis can be used in learning context as they allow for interaction and collaboration between students on whatever topic they happen to be studying at the time. Other students are then welcome to contribute to the Wiki to allow for idea sharing.

PowerPoint Presentations
PowerPoint presentations are an extremely useful tool that can both be effectively used to enhance learning by both the student learner and the teacher. PowerPoint is one of the most widely used software programs, particularly for its use as presentation software. It is able to be used by all computer used with ease because of its simplistic design. PowerPoint can be strategically used to display information on a range of topics in way that keeps the audience’s attention. There is the ability to make PowerPoint presentations interactive. In classroom environment, interactive PowerPoint presentations could be used for quizzes for the student to complete. Students can also use PowerPoint themselves to make presentations containing information on whatever content they are studying. A knowledge of PowerPoint presentations can be used both within and outside of a learning environment so this is a great skill for all students to learn. Another skill similar to PowerPoint that students may be interested in is a Prezi presentation. Prezi are aesthetically pleasing presentations that show a flow of ideas and also clearly displays linkages between different concepts and ideas. Prezi presentations require slightly more skill than PowerPoint presentations, but when mastered they can show clear concepts and ideas displayed in a new and innovative way by students.

Learning Styles
There are many different learning styles to accommodate to in a classroom, and no two students will ever have identical learning styles. In traditional classrooms there are generally around 25 students with a range of learning styles. These learning styles are typically visual, aural, verbal, physical, logical, social and solitary (Advanogy, 2007). This means that within the classroom, each of these learning styles must be accommodated to in order for learners to achieve learning outcomes. With the use of ICT within a classroom, each of these learning needs to be catered to in order to enhance the learning of all students within the classroom.

Visual Learning Style
Visual learners work best through the use of images, pictures, colours and maps (Advanogy, 2007). Digital images would be one way to enhance the learning of a visual style learner and another very effective tool would be embedding concept maps into their learning to help them visually organise their concepts ideas .

Aural Learning Style
Aural style learners enjoy working with sound and music (Advanogy, 2007). The use of Podcasts and Vodcasts would be highly effective for aural learners as this allows them so use their heightened sense of sound to enrich their learning. They could also embed their sound, rhyme and rhythm into presentations using PowerPoint.

Verbal Learning Style
Verbal learners work best through spoken and written work (Advanogy, 2007). They find it very easy to express themselves, both verbally and through writing. Any sort of presentation would be an easy way to enhance the learning of a verbal styled student. This could include video presentations, podcasts, writing content for a Wiki or website, or expressing themselves through a blog.

Physical Learning Style
Physical learners use touch and action to learn (Advanogy, 2007). They would rather use a ‘hands on’ approach to learn new things. Physical learners enjoy actually ‘doing something’, so have physical learners go out and use a digital camera and video camera to capture image for classroom activities or assessment. This involves them more in the process and allows them to use physical objects.

Logical Learning Style
Logical learners use logic and mathematical reasoning to form their learning (Advanogy, 2007). Concept maps could be used to enhance this learning style as it organises data in a clear, logical and meaningful way. Logical learners also like structure and organisations, and enjoy making agendas, itineraries and to-do lists. These tasks could be properly prepared in wiki or blog.

Social Learning Style
Social learners connect well with other people and enjoy working in groups, both verbally and non-verbally (Advanogy, 2007). A great tactic for social learners is wikis, as wikis are one of the best tools for collaboration. Another teamwork activity using technology could be making a digital video within a team as a successful video requires the collaborative thoughts of a well working group.

Solitary Learning Style
Solitary learners work best in a private and independent environment (Advanogy, 2007). They enjoy concentrating solely on their thoughts. These thoughts could be best expressed through the use of an online blog. The learner could also record their thoughts and ideas through a podcast.

Operating Safely, Legally and Ethically with E-Learning
E-Learning is an extremely useful tool for education purpose but it is important to ensure it is being used safely, legally and ethically. Copyright laws must be adhered to when using other’s material. All resources must be correctly referenced. Another factor to consider is child safety. Children may be exposed to material that is pornographic, sexually explicit, offensive or violent. There is also the danger of a child meeting strangers online. Children also may be exposed to online bullying. All of these factors must be considered and addressed when introducing the use of technology into the classroom.

Conclusion
Throughout this course and reflective synopsis, it is obvious that there are a range of digital tools and methodologies that can be used to enhance student learning.



Reference List

Advanogy. (2007). Overview of learning styles. Retrieved August 1, 2010, from http://www.learning-styles-online.com/overview/

Prenksy. (2001). FAHE11001 Managing E-Learning: Study guide. Rockhampton, Qld, Australia: CQUniversity Australia.

Waterhouse. (2003). FAHE11001 Managing E-Learning: Study guide. Rockhampton, Qld, Australia: CQUniversity Australia.